Friday, September 7, 2012

Repurposed Dresser - Entertainment Center

Once upon a time we owned an armoire entertainment center that I loved. Everyone else loved it too - except Brian. I loved that I could close the doors and pretend there was no tv. Brian hated having to open the doors everytime he wanted to watch the Red Sox or the Patriots.

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Boy do I miss this baby..... but there's a new kid in town.

And here's the rest of the story. During the move, the entertainment center mysteriously broke while I was outside. Brian claims (ahem), that while they were moving it, it just sort of "fell apart".At the new house we found we had no place to put the tv, and no money to buy a new tv stand. We had this sort of dresser thing with wicker baskets for drawers. Since it was all we had we plunked the tv on top.

And since the desk that held the record player is now in service in the kitchen, we plopped the thing on a tv tray table. Attractive right? I know. So we had this piece we had picked up at Rosie's Reusables in Derry for $40.

My original plan was to use it as an entry table until I fell in love with this vintage ironing board entry table.

So I guess this started out as a men's dresser in Rosie's aunt's bedroom. (Rosie is a guy by the way). Of course I forgot to take a picture before I pulled the drawers out (and they were not going back in without some major sanding).

So, sanding we did. Against the grain I might add. I make it a point to always learn a hard lesson when I do a project. Luckily these drawers were getting a paint job.

And here is the finished product. I actually love it almost as much as my old armoire. I just wish we didn't have that ugly black box on top.

I rubbed a little walnut stain on the scroll work.

I found tons of knobs I loved, but finally settled for the ones I could afford. These were $1.19 each at Lowes. (I'm not sure white there is a white spot in the photo, there isn't one on the tv stand).

I really love the legs and wheels.

The top was stained in walnut. I found tons of stain and paint in the cellar and shed, and I used what was there so the stain and paint were FREE!

Total cost for this project - $46. Total savings $254 over the one I wanted at Homegoods, but couldn't afford.

Love it!! It looks great...even with the big black box on top. :) Our TV used to be in an old armoire, but when it went out...hubby wanted a big screen TV, so it now sits out like yours does on top of a cabinet with bookselves on either side. I still wish the TV was hidden.Have a great weekend.Cindy

That's a gorgeous piece, Gloria! I know, we all have to deal with the big, ugly tv, right? Ours is on a similar piece that was the bottom portion of our dining room hutch since we don't have a dining room in this house. You have created a very cozy space!!

Hi JoAnn, I have not had very good luck at Goodwill. I find their prices very high. I just found a cute hutch there that I would pay about $25 for. They were asking $299 - at Goodwill! Yikes! Anyway, I do much better at yardsales and local thrift stores. Good luck!

Maybe someday soon an attractive piece of furniture will be designed for the big TV's but I think men like them in full view just as they are. You have found a very pretty piece that functions well as a place for the TV. I love old furniture that can be used for today's needs. You did a great job on this piece.-------------- Shannon

About Me

Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again. Psalm 71:20. Making a home with my family in a house we waited for. After going through some tough times and living in an apartment for a couple of years, we hope we have found our forever home. At least until we reach that eternal long awaited home someday. Join my family and I as we make this house our home.